Every summer the Zante Turtle Center is home to up to 20 Greek land tortoises, which are classified as vulnerable on Zakynthos because of the illegal pet trade and their vulnerability to predators. Many of the tortoises at our center have been rescued from the side of the road to prevent them from being hit by cars, mopeds or quadbikes and becoming roadkill. Instead, they stay at our center in a large enclosed area where they are fed daily with fruist and vegetables all summer!
We are proud to say that since 2011, we have rescued and released over 120 individuals back into the wild! The tortoises at our center are temporary residents, and all get released when they are old enough at the end of the summer turtle-tourist season onto land that we are protecting at the headlands of Gerakas, where they are safe from development and human intervention, and can hopefully live a long, uninterrupted life living off the plentiful vegetation, and free from human threats!
By donating to this campaign, you can symbolically adopt one of our Greek tortoises. You will receive a personalised certificate of sponsorship and adoption, a photo with background and facts about your tortoise and Greek tortoises we host at our center, our annual information booklet for free and full of information about Zakynthos' wildlife, the endangered Caretta caretta Loggerhead sea turtles that nest and hatch on the island every summer, the threats turtles face, how you can help, and learn about who we are and what we do to help protect turtles. Every donor will receive a free souvenir turtle keyring from our turtle center gift shop when proof of adoption is provided in-person!
This would make a wonderful gift for an animal lover or just a great way to stay connected with Zakynthos's conservation before or after your trip to the island. It's thanks to individual donors that our work is possible, and we thank you in advance for choosing to support this beautiful island and its wildlife!
Donations are tax-deductible depending on your circumstances.
